Frugal Friday: Date Night

Photo courtesy of Justin McMahan Photography

Date Nights are few and far between in our household.  Having two toddlers, no babysitter, no time, and a tight budget makes you have to get a little innovative.  I realize that in order for us to be effective parents we must have a firm foundation for our marriage which includes a triangular relationship with Christ, communication, and most importantly time with each other outside of the time that we spend with our children.  It isn't always easy to do that latter, but we try to find simple ways to have one on one time as often as possible.  So rather your  dating, engaged, or married I would like to help get you out of your rut this Frugal Friday by sharing simple date nights that don't break the bank. 

For Married Couples with children you know that between diaper changes and bedtime routines it is hard to fit in time for your spouse.  Some nights after the kids are gone to bed  my husband and I keep it simple witha Movie Night, Game Night, or Television Show Marathon. (Here's looking at you Breaking Bad, Doctor Who, and Downton Abbey.) If you have a sitter on hand for an hour catch a movie.  No time for a movie?  Grab a cup of Joe and relax at your local coffee house. Don't forget to leave the cell phone and laptop at home.   Book stores and libraries make for amazing dates. Guess What? they are FREE.  If your creatively inclined, like the hubs and I, grab some art supplies and innovate. And on those cold winter nights when you don't want to go out and the sitter is caught in the storm  (we have a lot of that here in Michigan) grab a book, cozy up on the couch with a hot drink and relax.  Forget about the laundry and dirty dishes, reconnect with your spouse.


For Dating and Newly Engaged Couples diaper duty and tantrums aren't your thing yet, so create a budget and start researching. One of the best resources at your disposal are internet discount sites such as Groupon.com and Dealchicken.com.  These sites have discount offers, often between 50-75% off the normal price of normal concerts and attractions in your area. Call attractions in your area and become familiar with their hours. Consider going to attractions on their low volume days which are often discounted. And don't forget to ask around. Friends and family members may have memberships to local attractions that with guest passes that you can use. Game Nights and Movie Nights are also cheap and at your disposal, but don't make it to late though. No late night slumber parties.

The possibilities are endless for couples if they budget, research, ask around, and innovate.  You can do it.

Peace, Love, and Frugal Friday,

Najeema Iman, I AM Curly Locks